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Beat the Heat

July 2017

Summer months bring fun, sun, and heat! Sometimes, the heat can become dangerous, especially for children, pets, people who work outside, and people with certain health conditions. Staying safe in high heat is important. Follow these simple tips to stay cool:

Drink plenty of cool water! Stay hydrated.

Wear loose, light-colored clothing that will keep you cool. Wear sunscreen and a hat for protection.

Check on neighbors who might be vulnerable to the heat, especially those without air conditioning.

Never leave children or pets in a car - not even for one minute. Temperatures inside a car can quicky skyrocket to deadly levels.

If you work or play outside, take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool off in the shade.

Don't forget the pets! Keep pets indoors if possible. If kept outside, give them plenty of water and shade to rest in.

Cooling Centers

If you need to cool off, the City of LA offers cooling centers where you can beat the heat. These cooling centers are in LA City facilities where you can enjoy recreation programming or a good book while you cool off. Cooling centers are open and available during regular hours of operation unless otherwise noted. The City Department on Disability works to provide reasonable accommodation to ensure accessibility and effective communications for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs at cooling centers. You can call 3-1-1 from within LA City or use the links below to find out more about cooling center locations and hours of operation.

Recreation and Parks Facilities

Recreation and Parks facilities like recreation centers, senior centers, and museums are open to the public and serve as cooling centers during normal hours of operation.

Library Facilities

The Los Angeles Central Library and all LA Library branches serve as cooling centers during normal hours of operation. Stop by to enjoy a book or browse the internet while you take a break from summer heat.

L.A. County Facilities

Los Angeles County and neighboring cities may also operate cooling centers during periods of extreme heat. For more information about these locations, call LA County 2-1-1 or visit the LA County website for a listing of active cooling centers: bit.ly/CoolingCtrs7-2

Heat-Related Illnesses

High heat can lead to severe health problems. If you experience the following conditions, seek medical attention immediately.

Heat Cramps:

Symptoms include muscular pains and spasms, usually in the stomach, arms or leg muscles.

Heat cramps usually result from heavy exertion, such as exercise, during extreme heat.

Although heat cramps are the least severe of all heat-related problems, they are usually the first signal that the body is having trouble coping with hot temperatures. Heat cramps should be treated immediately with rest, fluids and getting out of the heat.